Women take the trophies at McCrae Yacht Club

McCrae Yacht Club's 50th anniversary season came to an end on Saturday with a 60’s themed presentation night held at Rye Civic Hall where similar nights were held in the past.

The winners of a number of the high profile trophies this year and in some cases for the first time where the young women of McCrae.

It is testament to how the club operates and the environment created by the members and officials that many women take on roles traditionally held by men.

In recognition of her outstanding contribution in her role as Youth Club Captain Jessica Vincent was this years recipient of the Nigel Huggett trophy. Jessica developed and organised the clubs green fleet championship, which has been instrumental in growing the confidence of new junior and youth sailors in a racing environment, using simple courses and modified rule.

The championship took place over six Saturday mornings and included those taking part in their first race in one of the clubs Ozi Opti’s to Mum’s and Dad’s in Pacers. The emphasis was on fun and participation, and this was the way Jessica went about her role organising sleepovers and bowling nights for the youth and junior members.

Hayley Berryman was the recipient of the Rosemary Mason award for Instructor of the Year. A university student studying a number of subjects including criminal psychology Hayley is also on the path to becoming an accredited YA Club Coach. The award comes with a monetary gift to fund further training. Hayley typifies the reason John Mason presented this award to the club in memory of his late wife, Hayley’s enthusiasm for passing on her sailing skills coupled with her professionalism stood out Hayley is the first female to win this award, and is one of McCrae’s Training Centre Instructors, she is also a Tackers Instructor and a keen Pacer sailor.

Powerboating and training can often be seen as a male domain, Alison Dunwoody was the first female recipient of the John Stanaway Memorial Trophy. The trophy recognises Alison’s dedication and commitment to the club, always ready to hop on a powerboat to provide race management and safety support to club members during racing. Although still a teenager, Alison has commanded the respect of many in the club with her skilful and confident driving.

Whilst Jessica Watson has broken down barriers and taken female sailing into the mainstream media McCrae Yacht Club has three young women who are wonderful role models for its female junior sailors, inspiring an upcoming generation.